Blairgowrie Walks

The Ardblair Trail and Bluebell Wood

In spring Bluebell Wood becomes one of the best places in Perthshire to see carpets of bluebells. The lovely circular route from Blairgowrie also takes in fertile countryside, two small lochs and a lovely wood rich in wildlife, which is lovely any time of year. White Loch is also a great place to spot swans, coots and moorhens.

The routes together are about 6 miles / 9.5 km and take about 2½ hours. The Ardblair Trail has gentle gradients and levels paths suitable for most walkers. Bluebell Wood follows some good level paths but also features some uneven sections.

Drimmie Wood

This woodland, about 2 miles outside of Blairgowrie, is full of fast growing Sitka spruce for timber production. Towards Tullyfergus Estate take note of the native hardwood trees like ash and oak as well as the abundance of wildlife. The circular path follows an ancient drove road used hundreds of years ago to move cattle from the Highlands southwards. Views include the Angus hills to the north and the Sidlaws to the southeast.

The route is about 4 miles / 7 km and takes about 2 ½ hours to explore. Most of the route follows good tracks and gentle gradients, making it suitable for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.

The Knockie Walk

The Knockie Walk is a varied circular route which follows the start of the Cateran Trail and climbs Knockie Hill, which has beautiful views out over Blairgowrie to the Sidlaw Hills beyond. The path follows the River Ericht upstream, with its waterfalls, woodlands and old mills. Early on in the route is Cargill's Leap with a viewing platform into the river below. This is where Donald Cargill, a local minster and covenanter, escaped pursuing troops by leaping the falls below.

The walk is about 3 miles / 5 km and takes about 1½ hours to enjoy. The path by the river is level, but there are steep steps beside the Cuttle Burn and a climb to the summit of the Knockie.

River Ericht Path

This circular route takes you along the River Ericht through a mixed landscape with huge barley, wheat and strawberry fields - Blairgowrie is the soft fruit capital after all - and past several lovely old mills. From Kitty Swanson's Bridge, there are excellent views to the southeast of the Sidlaws.

The path is about 8 miles / 12.9 km and takes about 5 ½ hours to explore. The start and finish of the River Ericht Path is on minor roads. The off-road sections follow a field edge and flood banks with gentle gradients.

Point at a map of Scotland and Kinloch Rannoch is right in the very centre. It's great for an idyllic getaway with plenty on offer for those seeking adventure, breathtaking scenery or simply to relax and unwind.

There is nowhere better in Scotland to take in the glorious colours of autumn than Perthshire. Home of Big Tree Country, the whole area blazes with reds, oranges and golds as the leaves turn. Salmon leaping and dear rutting add to the seasonal sights and sounds waiting to be discovered.

Nestled on the banks of the River Ericht in the heart of Scotland, the Perthshire town of Blairgowrie & Rattray is ideally located for a day trip and or use as a base to explore Central and Eastern Scotland.